St. John's United Church of Christ, Dayton

St. John’s United Church of Christ is a historic congregation rooted in the city’s 19th-century wave of German immigration. Established in 1840 as the “German Evangelical Congregation,” the church began in humble surroundings before settling on its current East Third Street site in 1865. After a devastating fire in 1899, the present sanctuary was constructed in the Gothic Revival style and opened for worship in 1901. The design features a five-sided Akron floor plan, once capable of seating 2,000 people.

The church is home to a number of remarkable historic features. Its bell tower holds bells dating back to 1844, inscribed with the words “Faith, Love, and Hope,” and still rung every Sunday before service. Inside, the sanctuary is adorned with stunning stained-glass windows and frescoes.

One of its most distinctive treasures is the Shantz pipe organ, originally installed in 1874 and once powered by water-a rare engineering feat of its time. Today, it boasts over 2,100 pipes and remains a focal point of worship and community gatherings.

More than just a place of worship, St. John’s continues to serve as a community anchor. The church regularly hosts social and outreach events such as the Breakfast Club, East Oak Circle, and the Senior Club, offering inclusive spaces for connection and support.